Fact Sheet: Commemorating 45 Years of National Service

National Service (NS) was introduced in 1967 to meet the critical need of defending Singapore. The NS (Amendment) Bill was first read in Parliament on 27 February 1967 and passed on 14 March 1967. Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will commemorate 45 years of NS from February 2012 to October 2012. The theme for this NS45 campaign is "From Fathers to Sons".As a nation with a small population, Singapore depends on NS to raise a capable defence force. Since its introduction, generations of male Singaporeans have served NS demonstrating their commitment and fighting spirit in the defence of the nation. Over the years, NS has become a national institution that reflects and reinforces the spirit of our nation - loyalty, unity, resourcefulness and resilience. Today, three generations of Singaporean sons continue to serve - as Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), NSmen, and Volunteers.

The key activities for commemorating 45 years of NS this year are:
a. Launch of NS45 at Committee of Supply Debate (March 2012): The launch of NS45 and its commemorative events will be announced at MINDEF's COS debate in March 2012.
b. My NS Story (March 2012): Stories in appreciation of the generations of men and women who have helped protect our homeland will be posted at www.NS45.sg. It will allow Singaporeans to connect with their past, and share with present and future generations their special NS moments and memories. The website will be launched on the same day when the launch of NS45 is announced at the Committee of Supply Debate.
c. Army Open House (24 - 28 May 2012): For the first time, this year's Army Open House will be held outside of an Army Camp, at the F1 Pit Building. This year's Open House will also stretch across five days, instead of the usual two, to commemorate NS45. Visitors will be able to enjoy a special line-up at the NS45 Showcase, where they will be able to walk through the history of NS. They will get to experience first-hand the evolution of NS through an interactive multimedia display. There will also be a section dedicated to pay tribute to NSFs and NSmen with distinguished achievements and contributions towards national defence.
d. SAF Day Parade (1 July 2012): The SAF Day Parade, held at SAFTI Military Institute, will include NSmen and their employers for the Combined Re-dedication Ceremonies. SAF Day is when members of the armed forces reaffirm their pledge of loyalty and dedication, to the nation and the SAF. It is also a day for Singaporeans to reflect on their roles in NS and responsibilities to the defence of the nation.
e. Employers' Support for Total Defence Symposium (July 2012): This symposium aims to acknowledge employers' support for NS. It will include both the Combined Re-dedication Ceremony and Total Defence Awards to recognise employers who have pro-NS policies at the workplace. The half-day event allows employers to share best human resource practices that support NS. The symposium will also feature the NS Showcase from Army Open House. This event will be jointly organised by employers as well as MINDEF and the SAF.
f. National Day Parade (NDP) 2012 (9 August 2012): This year, we are celebrating Singapore's 47 years of independence as a nation. Reflecting back on the 45 years of NS, NDP 2012 will see the parade pay tribute to all our NSmen, their families, colleagues and friends.

Other events organised by MINDEF, the SAF and SAFRA this year will also be centred on the NS45 theme. These events include the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon, the Singapore Biathlon, the Navy Sprint Challenge, the National Runway Cycling and Skating as well as SAFRA's 40th Anniversary Celebrations.